Normally I use a stock photo as my blog photo, but this week I’m using one of my own. This is a picture of my new business card. You might think that business cards are obsolete, but mine has a QR code so it’s totally modern and updated, like a remodeled kitchen. I’m excited for the day when someone I don’t know asks what I do, and I can proudly hand them the card and say, “I am a writer, check out my blog!”

It’s taken me a while to actually get to the point where I feel comfortable saying that. I’m not sure why, but maybe it has something to do with the fact that I don’t have an English degree or any formal training in writing. But if I really think about it, maybe it goes deeper than that. I can remember different times in my life when people would ask me, “What do you do?” I can hear myself saying oh, “I’m just a stay at home mom.” What? Who says that? Or, “I write for a magazine, but it’s just a small publication in Lynchburg.” Come on Jane, not everyone can write for a magazine! How about this one: “I’m a runner, but I’ve only run one marathon.” Oh my gosh! You ran a marathon- that’s 138,435 feet! 

It’s not like I don’t have any self-confidence, because I do. But I needed to get comfortable promoting myself; not in an obnoxious way, but in a positive one. And in my defense, as a stay a home mom, it’s hard to measure success. I’m absolutely positive that’s why each year someone comes up with a salary for a stay at home parent. Because we need that validation. We want to know what we are worth. My perspective on writing started to change after I had written about twelve or fifteen articles for the magazine. People started texting me more often that they enjoyed my latest article, and they found it helpful and entertaining. Those comments gave me the extra push I needed to consider writing and publishing this blog. And while outside validation is nice, perhaps it’s the validation that we give ourselves that is the most important of all.

At some point or another in our lives, we will feel a little uneasy. Something will rattle us and we will need to look inward for moral support. Get comfortable giving yourself credit. Did you survive another tough week at work or school? You’re awesome! Were all your kids happy on the same day? Amazing job mom or dad! Were you only able get out of bed today? That’s ok, you’re baby steppin’ in the right direction! 

Challenge yourself this week to change how you view one aspect of your life. Or if you’re doing ok, reach out to someone who needs a nudge in the right direction. It’s incredible what a little pat on the back can do for yourself or someone you love.